2018 ALASKAN GRIZZY BEAR PHOTO WORKSHOP

We're expanding our ever-popular 5-day ALASKAN GRIZZLY BEAR PHOTO WORKSHOP from the sedge fields on the shores of Lake Clark National Park to include three full days photographing fishing bears at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. When you're into bears, it doesn't get better than this!

TOUR DATES: 30 June - 9 July, 2018

Rick was lead bear guide at Silver Salmon Creek Lodge in Lake Clark National Park for eight years and knows both the area and the bears intimately. He welcomes the chance to share this experience with fellow photographers and has selected these particular dates for his grizzly workshop in perpetuity for their consistency in offering photographers the widest range of subject matter while maximizing the opportunities for shooting bears in the wild.

WHY THESE DATES?

the days are long, providing extra hours of good shooting light

the weather has settled

the sedge fields are green

the clamming tides (bears eat clams!) are mostly favorable

the wildflowers are in full bloom

the maximum number of bears (usually 25-28) are on hand and look their best (they start molting mid-July)

the cubs are out and the grass is still short enough to photograph them unimpeded

the spawning salmon usually traverse Brooks waterfall at this time to reach the spawning grounds, and the bears are waiting

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Return flights between domicile and Anchorage

Mandatory travel and health insurance

Alcoholic spirit drinks

Laundry

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Both lodges offers other activities for those who seek variety or something to do during down time. These activities include kayaking, hiking back to the lake (SSCL), canoeing, and sport fishing for Halibut (fishing and charter boat fee extra)

PLEASE NOTE: Although the group is transported by ATV and trailer at SSCL there is walking involved. Walking is also involved at Brooks Falls from the floatplane to the falls, and applicants should be fit and able to carry their own gear on flat, but uneven terrain.

CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION

At SSCL, while we’ll be taking full advantage of the best photo opportunities throughout the day, there are a couple of high tides during this period that will restrict movement in the field for photographers and bears alike. This time will be used for processing images and for talks (if desired) on subjects central to photography such as the elements of composition and wildlife shooting as well as technical aspects of post-processing workflow and some hands-on training with Lightroom.

At Brooks Falls, we will be shooting from a platform which is regulated by time (and rangers). Once your time is up, you will be required to leave the platform and register you name for another time slot. You can return to the platform as often as time permits during park hours. During the 'down' we will be exploring the lower trails along the river for fishing bears and discussing our shooting sessions and how to improve our settings for the next session.

THE WEATHER

Temperatures will usually be in the 50’s and 60's, cool & coastal. Rain is likely so bring a raincoat and layered clothing. There is a laundry service available at both lodges (not included).

3 images below used under license from shutterstock.com

EXTEND YOUR TRIP!

(27-30 June 2-18)

Alaska has so much to offer that it's hard to fit everything into one trip. But let's try! We're offering a three-day extension to the 2018 GRIZZLY BEAR PHOTO WORKSHOP - prior to the main safari - which will give you a chance to shoot whales and glaciers in the Kenai Fjords and eagles and a variety of marine life in Homer's Katchemak Bay.

SOARING WITH EAGLES......

Come aboard the GRANITE CAPE for two adventure-packed day trips shooting eagles, puffins, kittiwakes, sea otters and stunning landscape in beautiful Katchemak Bay. We'll be overnighting in the swank Land's End Resort at the end of Homer Spit where you'll enjoy views of the bay and further photo ops of mariner life and the local fishing fleet.

.....FLOATING WITH WHALES

The port town of Seward is gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park. The park is renowned for the glaciers that flow into coastal fjords that are habitat to whale and porpoise. The scenery is exquisite and we'll be spending a full day on Resurrection Bay exploring the abundant marine life and scenic attractions.

Four images above and the one below used under license from Shutterstock.com

COST AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Cost of main safari (8 Days | 9 Nights): $7800

There is a $1500pp deposit to be paid on booking. The balance of $6300 is due in two equal payments of $3150 on January 30, 2018 and April 15, 2018.

Cost of Extension (3 Days | 3 Nights): $1520

Extension must be booked at the same time as booking the main safari.

ALL PRICES QUOTED ARE BASED ON DOUBLE-OCCUPANCY. SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.